My Lonely Planet Episode 4 Recap
> My Lonely Planet Recap
Wang Chen found herself smiling uncontrollably after receiving a message from Ray inviting her for a walk on Saturday. She excitedly told her cat, "Lady Meow, he asked me to go out. Is that a date?" Meanwhile, Miao Yu was at the office, suffering from a headache and unable to recall the previous night's events. Ken and a colleague jokingly suggested that the bar they visited served "fake alcohol" and recommended healthier activities like jogging or hiking in the future.
Later, Miao Yu approached Ken, fabricating a story about a "friend" whose girlfriend mistakenly believed he was cheating due to a "personal reason." Ken's surprising advice was for the friend to "propose." Soon after, Ken and Luo Li spotted Miao Yu at a jewelry store during lunch. They quickly deduced that the "friend" was actually Miao Yu himself. A sales assistant showed Miao Yu a 1. 314-carat ring, symbolizing "love in a lifetime," and Miao Yu purchased it.
The same weekend, Mr. He called Miao Yu into his office, offering him special tea and advising against excessive coffee consumption. Mr. He revealed that Antong Group intended to acquire Walnut and presented prepared contracts. Miao Yu noted that the existence of contracts suggested the acquisition was more than just an intention. Antong Group planned to transform Walnut into an "entry luxury brand," which fundamentally contradicted Miao Yu's initial vision of providing "affordable fast fashion" for ordinary people.
Mr. He bluntly stated that his original intention was investment return and that the acquisition would double profits. He informed Miao Yu that all other shareholders had already agreed, and Miao Yu’s vote was merely a formality. Mr. He then left, suggesting Miao Yu take a break and anticipating his "good news." Miao Yu later saw a WeChat Moments post from Li Zhizhi, hinting she wanted a platinum necklace for her new silver-buckled bag.
Miao Yu messaged her, offering to buy her a new necklace and invite her to dinner the following night, stating he had something important to tell her. After she agreed, Miao Yu made a note in his phone to "book a restaurant for proposal tomorrow night." Ken, whose phone was linked to Miao Yu's, immediately saw the memo.
He excitedly woke Luo Li, and they began making elaborate plans for the proposal, including choosing a restaurant, selecting dishes, and considering music and lighting. They booked a restaurant called Rinascite, and the owner, Ray, meticulously described how he would arrange a quiet area, a "Birth of Venus" menu, and a rose-shaped chocolate dessert with the ring placed beside it. Wang Chen arrived at Rinascite for her pre-arranged outing with Ray.
Witnessing Ray’s detailed explanation of the proposal setup, she momentarily fantasized about Ray proposing to her someday, before snapping back to reality, reminding herself they were "just friends." Ray then joined Wang Chen, apologizing for his delay, explaining he had been discussing the proposal arrangements with guests. He offered her homemade chocolate from his car, and shared that he often visited this quiet lakeside spot, a place his father used to take him.
Ray gently wiped chocolate from Wang Chen's mouth, making her blush as she briefly thought he was going to kiss her. He then invited her to dinner the following night, mentioning his mother might join them. Wang Chen was thrilled but tried to appear nonchalant. Wang Chen discussed the impending meeting with Ling Sansan, who emphasized it was a "grand interview" for a wealthy family.
Sansan advised Wang Chen to bring "Hong Kong bird's nest" as a gift and coached her on how to present herself, suggesting she describe herself as a "business owner of an emerging fashion brand" and her hobby as "playing with her cat," rather than focusing on work, to appear more endearing to Ray's mother. Meanwhile, Ken and Luo Li enthusiastically reported back to Miao Yu about their restaurant choice.
Miao Yu maintained his "friend" pretense, claiming his memo was a "mistake" and asking for their help to find a necklace for this same "friend" – a white, four-petal flower. Luo Li correctly identified it as a Vintage Alhambra, and Miao Yu selected one. Luo Li gushed about how much his "friend's" girlfriend would want to marry him, prompting Miao Yu to dismiss them. Luo Li mused that Miao Yu was simply being "prudent" about his grand plans.
On the night of the proposal, Miao Yu made a phone call to his parents, announcing, "Dad, Mom, I'm going to propose tonight. I’ll take her home during the Spring Festival. Wish me good luck." At Rinascite, Ray and his colleague Luca were preparing for the evening. Luca complimented Wang Chen when she arrived, thinking she was there with Ray. As Wang Chen went to the restroom, Miao Yu arrived to check in for his proposal reservation.
They unexpectedly ran into each other. Miao Yu, annoyed, complained he had a bad feeling about the restaurant name and demanded Wang Chen leave, as it was his "big day." Wang Chen retorted that she was there for an important reason too: meeting an "aunt." Miao Yu deduced she was meeting Ray's mother and sarcastically called it an "interview," urging her to leave due to the perceived "over-the-line" nature of Ray’s family.
Wang Chen explained she couldn't leave as it was Ray's restaurant. After some bickering, they compromised, with Wang Chen agreeing to sit with her back to Miao Yu’s table to avoid being seen by Li Zhizhi. Ray's mother arrived, a seemingly stern and business-like woman. Ray introduced Wang Chen, who greeted her and presented the bird's nest. Ray's mother, having likely seen Wang Chen’s social media, commented on her keeping a cat.
Wang Chen, remembering Sansan's advice, confirmed her hobby was "playing with Lady Meow." Wang Chen then tried to switch seats to face the terrace, but Ray's mother wanted the same view. Ray suggested they both sit on the same side. Soon after, Li Zhizhi arrived. Miao Yu presented her with the Vintage Alhambra necklace, noting he saw her Moments post. Li Zhizhi’s expression hinted at disappointment with the gift, but she accepted it politely.
Miao Yu then apologized for causing her insecurity due to a "misunderstanding" from an "irresistible force," reaffirming his love. As a dish emitting white mist was served and music began to play, Miao Yu knelt and, holding the ring, proposed to Li Zhizhi. Meanwhile, Ray’s mother, claiming other appointments, had Ray drive her away, leaving Wang Chen alone at the table.
As Li Zhizhi hesitated to respond to Miao Yu's proposal, Wang Chen, struggling to control her "Coffee" urges, accidentally lunged towards Miao Yu's table, knocking over the misty dish and engulfing Miao Yu and Li Zhizhi in fog. Li Zhizhi, clearly displeased, exclaimed, "This is your surprise?" before rejecting the proposal, saying, "I'm sorry, I became Coffee again."
Miao Yu, furious but unable to directly blame Wang Chen (due to their contract and his understanding of her "Coffee" state), ordered her to "Get out." Miao Yu was visibly upset, but he understood Wang Chen's desire to approach him when she transformed. Wang Chen walked the streets, lamenting her failures and her inability to control her transformations, wishing to avoid causing Miao Yu more trouble.
Miao Yu, also outside, contemplated discarding the engagement ring but couldn't bring himself to do it. As he turned, a passerby bumped into him, causing the ring to fall and roll across the pavement, coming to rest directly at Wang Chen’s feet.
